WWT Slimbridge Bird sightings 27 December 2005

27 December 2005 A good start to the day at the South Finger with very close views of the European White-fronted Geese. As they were so close it was possible to see the variation in size, bill length, colour tones, belly barring (the heavy black markings on the belly) and differing amounts of white on the forehead. They were very mobile with small groups often lifting and flying off to other areas before returning. The juvenile Dark-bellied Brent and two Pink-footed Geese were present with them.

Eight Ruff, eleven Black-tailed Godwit and c30 Dunlin fed on the South Lake wader scrape in the morning along with 95 Shoveler on the deeper pool. The latter were great value as they whirled in groups of up to 50 actively feeding.

On the Top New Piece (Zeiss Hide) an apparent White-cheeked Pintail x Cape Teal hybrid was feeding among the thousands of Wigeon and Teal.

At least 208 Bewick's Swans were seen with 18/19 new arrivals. One of these was ringed by WWT in Russia during August! The swans were excellent at the 1600 Rushy feed. The two Ferruginous x Pochard hybrids were both showing on the studio island which is also on the Rushy. All sightings MJM, JSL and JJS.